Building structures

ABSTRACT

This specification discloses a building structure including a structural member comprising a web, two flanges projecting from opposite edges of the web and inturned lips at the free edges of the flanges; electrical wiring laid in a channel defined by one of the flanges, its inturned lip and the portion of the web adjacent to said flange; and a U-section cover member having limbs which interfit with said lip and said portion of the web and a base which extends over the mouth of the channel thus protecting the wiring.

United States Patent Ward et al.

[541 BUILDING STRUCTURES [72] Inventors: Wi|fred Ward; Frank Ward, both of East Yorks, England Assignee: Ward Brothers (Sherhurn) Limited,

. Sherburn, Malton, England Filed: June 28, 1971 Appl. No.2 157,189

Foreign Application Priority Data June 27, 1970 Great Britain ..3l,290/70 U.S. c1. ..174/48, 174/68 0, 174/101, 52/732 1m. (:1. .1102; 3/04 Field of Search ..174/48, 49, 68 c, 101, 95, 174/97; 52/220, 221, 732,287

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Q 3, 2 l Schumacher.... ..174I48 Oct. 31, 1972 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 623,311 4/1963 Belgium ..52/220 Primary Examiner-Lewis H. Myers Assistant Examiner-D. A. Tone Attorney-Merriam, Marshall, Shapiro & Klose [57] ABSTRACT This specification discloses a building structure including a structural member comprising a web, two flanges projecting from opposite edges of the web and inturned lips at the free edges of the flanges; electrical wiringlaid in .a channel defined by one of the flanges, its inturned lip and the portion of the web adjacent to said 'flange; and a U-section cover member having limbs which interfit with said lip'and said portion of the web and a base which extends over the mouth of the channel thus protecting the wiring.

PATENTED OCT 3 1 m2 SHEET 1 [IF 3 v BUILDING STRUCTURES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of the Invention This invention is concerned with the installation electrical wiring in building structures.

2. Description of the Prior Art i It is the present practice in building structures to utilize a conduit system for electrical wiring, such a system comprising individual conduit tubes which enclose the wiring and are secured to parts-of the'stru'cture, e,g. to structural members such as steel columns, purlins and, in buildings comprising a metal frame clad with sheeting, the side bars of rails which support the sheeting. It is an object of one aspect of the invention to provide a building structure having electrical wiring in which at least some of the conduit system normally provided is dispensed with.

SUMMARY OFTI-IEINVENTION v member comprising a web, two flanges projecting from opposite edges of the web and inturned lips at the free edges of theflanges; electricalwiring laid in a channel defined by one of the flanges, its inturned lip and the portion of the web adjacent to said flange; and a U-section cover member having limbs which interfit with said lip and said portion of the web and a-base which extends over the mouth of the channel thus protecting the wiring. i

By the use of this arrangemenuelectrical wiring can be enclosed in the channels of structural members of a building structure so that the provision of separate conduits is not necessary. The structural members may be generally of U-section with the two flanges projecting from the same face of the web thereof, or of Z-se'ction with the flanges projecting from opposite faces of the web.

Preferably the cover member is made of a resilient material and its-limbs extend inside said channel so as to be urged resiliently outwards into engagement with said lip and said portion of the web. Thus, the cover member can be snapped into position andremoved in a similar manner.

In one arrangement, the web of the structural member comprises a plane central part which is parallel to the inturned lips and flanked by two diverging parts, one limb of the cover member having an outer diverging portion engaging the adjacent diverging part of the web and the other limb having its free edge portion turned inwardly to fit into the corner between the said lip and the flange adjacent thereto.

In another arrangement, the free edge portion of the limb of the cover member adjacent to said lip isformed with a longitudinal slot which opens at the edge of said portion and receives said lip. In this event the base of the cover may have a projecting portion outside the channel, said portion being secured to the webof the structural member. p v

Preferably, the base of the cover member is inclined towards the adjacent flange in a direction away from the .web of the structural member.

The base of the cover member may be formed with an extension which lies in the same plane as the base and projects outwardly therefrom in a direction away from the web of the structural member. This extension acts as a handle and also as means for preventing condensation entering the space between thelimbs of the cover member and the walls of the channel.

Means may be provided for supporting the wiring in particular parts of the channel, such means comprising straps secured within the channel to hold the wiring.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a cover member for fitting in a-channel in a structural member containing electrical wiring, the

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments of the, invention will now be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIG. 1 is a section through a purlin fitted with a cover member so as to provide a conduit for electrical wiring;

, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a purlin similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 showing various components which can be used in the construction of an electrical installation in a building structure embodying the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a purlin similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 showing a lighting fitting suspended therefrom and illustrating the use of some of the componentsshown in FIG. 2; i 7

FIG. 4 is a section through a purlin of vgenerally Z- shape showing a cover member in position to provide a conduit for electrical wiring;

FIG. 5 is a section similar to FIG. 4 showing a different form of structural member; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of part of a building structure.

DESCRIPTION OFTHEIPREFERRGED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG.. 1, this shows a purlin indicated generally at 10. The purlin has a web indicated generally at 11 comprising a plane central part 12 flanked by two diverging parts l3.'The purlin also has a pair of flanges 14 which project from the same face of the web 11 and have inturned lips 15 at their free edges. Each flange 14 with its adjacent portion of the web 11 and its inturned lip 15 forms a channel and in the lower channel can be laid electrical wiring.

The lower channel is closed by a cover member indicated generally at 16. The cover member is generally U-shaped in cross section and has a base 17 and two parallel limbs 18 and 19 which are inclined relative to the base. The cover member is made of resilient synthetic resinous material, for example polyvinyl chloride, and is so formed, for example by extrusion, that the natural position of the limb 18 relative to the limb 19 is as indicated in dotted lines at 18a. The limb 18 is formed with an outer diverging portion 20 and the free edge portion 21 of the limb 19 is turned inwardly.

- The cover member 16 is fitted into the channel from above so-that the inturned portion 21 of the limb 19 fits into the corner between the flange l4 and the lip 15, the limb 19 rests against the lip 15, the limb 18 rests against the central part 12 and the diverging portion rests against the part 13. The limb 18 will have been sprung slightly relative to the base 17 so that it will be forced into close engagement with the parts 12 and 13 and the portion 20 engaging under the part 13 will prevent the cover member inadvertently lifting.

The base 17 has an extension 22 which acts as a handle whereby the cover member can be removed and also provides a lip so that any water and condensation on the upper surface of the base 17 is guided so that it does not fall between the limb 29 and the lip 15.

Referring now to FIG. 2, this shows a number of components which can be fitted to a purlin of the form illustrated in FIG. 1 in the construction of an electrical installation incorporating the invention.

The cover members used in an electrical installation are cut to suitable lengths and two pieces of cover member 16 are shown in FIG.2.

Shown at 23 is an end closure element of polyethylene or a similar material and of the same cross sectional shape as the conduit defined by the channel of the purlin 10 and the cover member 16 fitted therein, whereby the element 23 can be simply pressed into the conduit to close one end thereof.

A short piece of cover member 24 has fitted in an aperture in the base 17 thereof a gland outlet fitting 25 enabling an electrical fitting such as a lighting fitting to be connected to the wiring in the conduit. 1

When two pieces of cover member are required to be joined together an expansion and cover clip 26 is used, two such clips being shown in FIG. 2. The clip comprises a plate to overlie the bases 17 of the two pieces of cover member, one edge portion of the plate being turned over seas to form a slot for receiving the aligned extensions 22 of thepieces. The two pieces of cover member are slightly spaced apart and the clip allows for any longitudinal movement of the pieces caused by temperature changes.

Shown at 27 is a hanger clip having a hook formation which is engaged with the lower lip 15 of the purlin and can be used to suspend an electrical fitting such as a lighting fitting from the purlin.

The purlin may be fitted with a junction box 28 which can take various forms. The junction box can be apertured to allow for the entry or exit of wires into or from the conduit or it may incorporate a socket for receiving an electrical plug enabling an electrical fitting to be connected to the wiring in the conduit. The junction box is formed with a hinge type slot 29 which receives the lower lip 15 of the purlin and is shaped so as to permit the box to be swung out of the purlin to a horizontal position for connection of the wires therein and for maintenance purposes. The box is secured to the purlin by a retainer 30 carrying a spring clip 31 which engages in the upper channel of the purlin.

FIG. 3 shows a purlin 10 having suspended from it by means of hanger clip 27 and chains 32 a fluorescent light fitting 33. The wiring in the conduit defined by the lower channel of the purlin and the cover members 16 fitted therein is indicated generally at 34 and rests on the lower flange 14 of the purlin. The cover members 16 are joined by expansion and cover clips 26. A junction box 28 is interposed between two cover members 16 and carries an outlet socket which is engaged by a plug 35 which is connected by a cable 36 to the light fitting. The junction box is held in position by a retainer 30 and a spring clip 31. I

FIG. 4 shows a Z-shaped purlin having a .web 37, flanges 38 and lips 39 at the ends of the flanges. A cover member is indicated generally at 40 and is of generally U-section having a base 41 and limbs 42 and 43. The free edge portion of the limb 42 is provided with a slot 44 which engages the lip 39 and which holds the cover member in position. The wiring is indicated generally at 45. The base 40 has a projecting portion 46 secured to the web 37 by a nut and bolt 47.

FIG. 5 shows a channel shaped purlin having a web 48, flanges 49 and lips 50 at the free edges of the flanges. The cover member is shown at 51 and is of generally U-shape having a limb 52 which engages the web 48 and a limb 53 which provides a slot 54 receiving the lip 50. The cover member 51 has a base 55 which is provided with a longitudinally extending handle 56 to facilitate engagement of'the cover member. with the purlin and disengagement of the cover member from the purlin.

FIG. 6 shows-part of a building structure comprising four outer walls of which one is indicated generally at 57, and a roof 58. Each wall comprises a plurality of uprights 59 of which one only is seen in the drawing, a series of spaced horizontal members 60 attached to the outer faces of the uprights, and wall cladding 61 supported by the members 60. The roof comprises a plurality of spaced inclined members 62, a series of spaced purlins 10 of the form shown in FIG. 1 supported by the members 62, and roof cladding 63 carried by the purlins.

Cover members 16 of the form illustrated in FIG. 1 are fitted to two of the purlins 10 to provide conduits for electrical wiring.

It will be seen that the invention provides a building structure in which the structural members provide conduits for wiring in combination with cover members which are releasably secured to the structural members. The cover members in all cases are preferably made from a resilient synthetic material although other materials could be used.

The invention is applicable to purlins for roof struc tures, eaves, rails, side rails and floor beams.

We claim:

1. A building structure including a structural member comprising a web, two flanges projecting from opposite edges of the web and inturned lips at the free edges of the flanges; electrical wiring laid in a channel defined by one of the flanges, its inturned lip and the portion of the web adjacent to said flange; and a U-section cover member having limbs which interfit with said lip and said portion of the web and a base which extends over the mouth of the channel thus protecting the Wll'll'lg.

2. A building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the two flanges of the structural member project from the same face of the web so that the member is generally of U-section.

3. A building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover member is made of a resilient material and its limbs extend inside said channel so as to be urged resiliently outwards into engagement with said lip and said'portion of the web.

4. A building structure as claimed in claim 3 wherein the web of the structural member comprises a plane central part which is parallel to the intumed lips and flanked by two diverging parts, and one limb of the cover member has an outer diverging portion engaging the adjacent diverging part of the web.

5. A building structure as claimed in claim 4 wherein the other limb of the cover member has its free edge portion turned inwardly to fit into the corner between the said lip and the flange adjacent thereto.

6. A building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the free edge portion of the limb of the cover member adjacent to said lip is formed with a longitudinal slot which opens at the edge of said portion and receives said lip.

' jects outwardly therefrom in a direction away from the adjacent flange in a direction away from the web of the structural member.

9. A building structure as claimed in claim 8 wherein the base of the cover member is formed with an extension which lies in the same plane as the base and proweb of the structural member.

-p g UMTIED smin;e;v PAlENT OFFiCE 1 (iii illii lCAlL :01 CORRLCHO-N l aiugrnt: No. 3' J9}: 36 Q Dated Octbber SQL 1972 1-1-; 13cUr.(s) 1g;,F1gED WARD a FRANK WARD in the above-identificd PltQIlt Ii. 55-: cnrLifiled that error appears I corrected as shown below:

2 .215 7 11m said LcLLc-Is Patent are hereby i. Column '3, line '11, "29' should be 19--.

signed and'Sea l ed this 13th day of-Mar l vs.

-c f L) Attest: v Y EDWARD-M.FLET-CHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesging Officer 1 Commissioner of- Patents .liilii. i ii; lQ/i l L '62; CGRRLLC i EON WW1; r-:O. Q} bat -a c r all 1972 4 :l-w-mw(E R D WARD & FRANK WARD Ii. 5:: certified that error appears in the above-idcntificd patent 2111-5 132i. midi LuLLei's Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

i Column 5, line 11, "29" should be -19--.

Sign d and sealed this 13th day of Margh 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.PLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesging Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A building structure including a structural member comprising a web, two flanges projecting from opposite edges of the web and inturned lips at the free edges of the flanges; electrical wiring laid in a channel defined by one of the flanges, its inturned lip and the portion of the web adjacent to said flange; and a Usection cover member having limbs which interfit with said lip and said portion of the web and a base which extends over the mouth of the channel thus protecting the wiring.
 2. A building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the two flanges of the structural member project from the same face of the web so that the member is generally of U-section.
 3. A building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover member is made of a resilient material and its limbs extend inside said channel so as to be urged resiliently outwards into engagement with said lip and said portion of the web.
 4. A building structure as claimed in claim 3 wherein the web of the structural member comprises a plane central part which is parallel to the inturned lips and flanked by two diverging parts, and one limb of the cover member has an outer diverging portion engaging the adjacent diverging part of the web.
 5. A building structure as claimed in claim 4 wherein the other limb of the cover member has its free edge portion turned inwardly to fit into the corner between the said lip and the flange adjacent thereto.
 6. A building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the free edge portion of the limb of the cover member adjacent to said lip is formed with a longitudinal slot which opens at the edge of said portion and receives said lip.
 7. A building structure as claimed in claim 6 wherein the base of the cover member has a projecting portion outside the channel, said portion being secured to the web of the structural member.
 8. A building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base of the cover member is inclined towards the adjacent flange in a direction away from the web of the structural member.
 9. A building structure as claimed in claim 8 wherein the base of the cover member is formed with an extension which lies in the same plane as the base and projects outwardly therefrom in a direction away from the web of the structural member. 